Understanding Trans Health: Discourse, Power and Possibility

by Ruth Pearce

What does it mean for someone to be ‘trans’? What are the implications of this for healthcare provision? Drawing on the findings of an extensive research project, this book addresses urgent challenges and debates in trans health. It interweaves patient voices with social theory and autobiography, offering an innovative look at how shifting language, patient mistrust, waiting lists and professional power shape clinical encounters, and exploring what a better future might look like for trans patients.

Genres: Nonfiction, Gender, LGBT, Queer, Psychology, Health, Transgender

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an insightful and thought-provoking book, which includes both personal experiences from the author and her extensive research into the area of trans health. Thoroughly well written in an accessible way for all audiences – it certainly doesn’t feel like you’re reading a book stemming from academic research! Although it’s clear that trans healthcare has improved over the last 20 years or so, there’s still a long way to go until trans patients are treated as equals. Hopefully books such as this will pave the way for a greater understanding of trans health issues for both trans and cis people alike.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really insightful and well versed work looking at the exponential growth of the field of transgender health and the problems within that area.

Would highly recommend to any psychiatrists - such as myself - with an interest in the area or simply looking to better understand it. Similarly a great and accessible read for anyone who wants to know more about the subject matter.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearce’s study incredibly transforms the lived experiences of many of us into coherent and thorough academic concepts. It was incredible to read a book that put so many of my own personal thoughts onto paper, having been a patient at the gender identity clinic where her study took place. The book is exceedingly well written and challenges dominant and harmful narratives of trans people in its exploration of how trans people access medical resources. It draws on the knowledge of the community and does so in a way which is not vouyeristic or sensationalised. I routinely recommend it to people who might be interested in this kind of literature.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best currently available contemporary sociological accounts of trans health and trans culture in the UK. In particular, it has more detail on current UK online trans community and culture than any other recent book I am aware of. It also has some good discussion of current issues in UK trans healthcare, such as waiting lists and the impact of 'gatekeeping', written by an author who is very knowledgeable about her topic area.

It is an academic book, so although it is written in an accessible way, and makes good use of quoted examples, it may be less suitable for a general interest reader.

[Rowan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinary book, this providers readers trans & cis with not only a wealth of practical knowledge for engaging with the UK trans healthcare system but also the theoretical tools to understand that system.

[Madeline Doncon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent sociological study into the dynamics of transition related healthcare. The book starts with a great overview of the historical developments in language and (competing) understandings of trans identity, with references to foundational trans theorists such as Kate Bornstein and Julia Serano. This section all around serves as a good, short introduction to gender theory. I also particularly appreciated the (auto)ethnographical nature of the study, drawing directly from online discussions and other sources, elevating the book from simply being a summary of developments in trans healthcare.

Do keep in mind that this book is for most part grounded in the context of the UK’s medical and legal system, and its gender identity clinics, and so the scope of the book may be a bit disappointing to those of us living outside of that context.

[Iris Core · Rating 4 out of 5]

well researched account of trans healthcare in the UK up to ~2017 tbh, would’ve liked some more depth at the some points but great book anyways

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really insightful and well versed work looking at the exponential growth of the field of transgender health and the problems within that area.

Would highly recommend to any psychiatrists - such as myself - with an interest in the area or simply looking to better understand it. Similarly a great and accessible read for anyone who wants to know more about the subject matter